the canadian rockies winter adventure guide

8/3/2019 The Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure Guide

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T H E C A N A D I A N R O C K I E S

W I N T E R A D V E N T U R E G U I D E

www .B a n f f L a k e Lo u i s e . c om



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TABLE OF CONT ENT S2 Introduction3 Ban & Lake Louise4 Skiing & Snowboarding6 Heli-Skiing, Back Country Skiing7 Cross Country Skiing in Lake Louise

8 Snowshoeing10 Ice Walking, Ice Climbing11 Dog Sledding

To vacationers seeking the most authentic mountain experience, Ban National

Park is a UNESCO World Heritage destination that delivers a healthy combination

o unspoiled and protected wilderness, wildlie, modern amenities and opportunities

or active exploration and adventure. In winter, the Canadian Rockies become a giant

playground with a backyard ull o resh snow and impressive peaks, whether you’re out

enjoying them on skis or sightseeing rom below.

Established in 1885, Ban National Park was the frst national park in Canada and the

third in the world. Renowned around the globe, this park encompasses 6,641 square

kilometres o mountains, orests, and lakes to explore. Its world-class restaurants,

hotels and spas oer plenty o chances to warm up and relax ater a day experiencing

the great outdoors.

12 Sleigh Rides13 Ice Skating, Hockey Game14 Sightseeing15 Attractions16 Heritage

17 Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing18 Lodging, Dining & Shopping19 ravel ips

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Watch our winter

destination video.



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T O W N O F B A N F F

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Ban is atown that makes you eel at home and exhilarated

with wonder all at the same time.

Te own o Ban is truly unique. Tere is noother place in the world where you can nd a vibrant community o artists, athletes, youngamilies, long-term residents, outdoor enthusiasts,business owners, restaurateurs, hoteliers andstudents nestled in a national park.

With modern amenities and more than enoughaccommodations, restaurants and activities tochoose rom, Ban is a premier destination orauthentic hospitality, mountain culture, relaxation

and amusement.

L A K E L O U I SE

Te hamlet o Lake Louise, located just minutesrom the lake itsel, has been developed over thelast century to serve the needs o people visitingthis astonishingly accessible and picturesque

area o Ban National Park.

For vacationers seeking the purest o alpineexperiences, Lake Louise is a protectedmountain destination that is located in closeproximity to world-class hotels, postcard perectlodges, dining options and a variety o winteractivities.

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S K I I N G & S N O W B O A R D I N G

Impressive mountains and heaps o dry powder snow await downhill skiers and snowboarders in BanNational Park. Tree ski areas are located within a close drive rom the own o Ban and give youunspoiled views as you carve the hills. With a total o 7,700 acres o developed terrain suitable orbeginners and experts alike, the ski season here stretches rom November to May.

[email protected] | www.skibig3.com

Sunshine Village | www.skiban.com

Sunshine Village boasts uncrowded slopes, abundant snowall andpanoramic views. Located just 15 minutes rom the own o Ban, thisresort ski area oers over 3,300 acres o terrain on three mountains and anaverage annual snowall o over 30 eet. In addition to the Rogers errainPark, Sunshine Village’s 107 runs are 20% beginner, 55% intermediate and25% expert. Located 2,100 meters above sea level, the Sunshine MountainLodge is Ban’s only ski-in ski-out hotel.



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Lake Louise | www.skilouise.com

Spectacular scenery awaits you at the Lake Louise Ski Area. With4,200 skiable acres, Lake Louise is one o the largest ski areas in NorthAmerica. Te unique layout allows amilies and groups o varyingabilities to ski together. Beginners and intermediate skiers have accessto an abundance o gentle slopes and long runs. Experts can exploreendless chutes, glades, gullies and remote bowls in some o the Rockies’most challenging terrain.

Mt. Norquay | www.bannorquay.com

Established in 1926, Mt. Norquay is widely considered to be Ban ’s bestamily ski resort. Located only 10 minutes rom the own o Ban, skiersand snowboarders will nd terrain or all levels, including groomed runsand a terrain park. Tis ski area, including Ban ’s Backyard errain Park,

has the only night skiing in Ban National Park.

ubing at Mt. Norquay | www.bannorquay.com/tubing

Whether you’ve never touched skis or a snowboard or just want to try something dierent, snow tubing is a great way down the hill. Tis snow tube park, the only one o its kind in the Ban area, has a snow tuberope tow and large sliding lanes to go down along with your group o riends or your amily. Te tube park also eatures a small sliding areamade specically or kids.



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H E L I - S K I I N G

Located in close proximity to Ban NationalPark, heli-skiing operations allow you toexperience the truly untracked terrain o alpineregions o the Canadian Rockies without the litlines. ake a helicopter out or a day o skiing orspend a week on the slopes rom the comort o a backcountry lodge. No doubt, the Rockies oerthe best heli-skiing in the world – the sport wasinvented here!

CMH

Heli-skiing www.cmhski.com

[email protected]

RK Heli Skiwww.rkheliski.com

[email protected]

B A C K C O U N T R Y S K I I N G

At over 6,000 square kilometres, Ban NationalPark is a giant playground just beckoning you toexperience its more remote, backcountry regions.

With the use o touring skis, which allow you toski both up and downhill, you can venture awayrom the crowds into pristine alpine areas where

you “earn your turns.” A proessional mountainguide is there to lead you to the best slopesand touring terrain, whether you’re a beginner,intermediate or advanced skier.

Yamnuska Mountain Adventureswww.yamnuska.com

[email protected]

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I you’re looking or a leisurely ski or more o a rigorous workout, cross-country skiing is agreat way to explore the intimate corners o theCanadian Rockies. Each year, the high elevationso Lake Louise make it an early contender or

winter’s git o resh snow. Access is made easy with an extensive network o trails that aregroomed and track-set or world-class skiing,

whether you head out on your own or witha proessional guide. Some trails begin rightoutside the doorstep o Te Fairmont ChateauLake Louise.

Banff Nordic www.bannordic.com

[email protected]

Te Fairmont Chateau Lake Louisewww.airmont.com/CLL/

[email protected]

White Mountain Adventureswww.whitemountainadventures.com

[email protected]

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C R OS S C O U N T R Y S K I I N G I N L A K E L O U I S E



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Discover Banf f ours

www.bantours.com

[email protected]

Great Divide Nature

Interpretationwww.greatdivide.ca

[email protected]

Icefield Heli www.icefeldheli.com

[email protected]

Kananaskiwww.kheli

ino@kheli

S N O W S H O E I N G

Strap on some snowshoes and venture into the wilderness to discover a peaceul winter wonderland.Snowshoes allow you to walk through the deep, fuy snow and truly experience the winter landscape. rained naturalists

will accompany you to provide instruction on snowshoeing and toshare their knowledge about the fora and auna. I you’re eager to experiencemore distant mountainous regions, heli-snowshoeing options are also available.



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Lake LouiseSki Area

www.skilouise.com

[email protected]

Nature In Focus

www.natureinocus.ca

[email protected]

Te Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Mountain

Heritage GuideWinter Activities

www.airmont.com/CLL/

[email protected]

White Mountain Adventures

www.whitemountainadventures.com

[email protected]



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I C E WA L K I N G

A canyon ull o rushing water in summer, Johnston Canyon reezes in winter to ormsparkling walls o ice. Formed by ancientglaciers, this is a spectacular geological landmark that is well worth the visit. Join a guided tour ora comprehensive understanding o what ormedthe canyons and to hear stories the rocks andicy ormations tell us about the past. For sae

walking, you will be provided with ice cleats thatgrip the ice underoot.

Discover Banf f ourswww.bantours.com

[email protected]


[email protected]

White Mountain Adventureswww.whitemountainadventures.com

[email protected]

I C E C L I M B I N G

Tis winter equivalent to rock climbing is anexhilarating and aesthetic sport. Using cramponsand ice tools, you can scale a waterall with thesaety o a rope and under the watchul eye o aproessional guide. Get up-close-and-personal

with impressive ice ormations and take on thechallenge o pushing your limits in the vertical

world. All climbing equipment is provided.

Yamnuska Mountain Adventureswww.yamnuska.com

[email protected]



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D O G S L E D D I N G

Sit under a blanket on a traditional dogsled andlet a team o huskies lead you on a picturesque

journey through mountain valleys. Tis is aonce-in-a-lietime and truly Canadian activity

you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the excitemento mushing the sled yoursel and guiding a teamo dogs down the trail. Several dogsleddingcompanies are available in the area and oer a

variety o excursions, including hal-hour, hal-day and ull day tours.

Howling Dog ourswww.howlingdogtours.com

[email protected]

Kananaskis Heliwww.kheli.com

[email protected]

Kingmik Dog Sl ed ours

[email protected]

Snowy Owl Sled Dog ourswww.snowyowltours.com

[email protected]



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S L E I G H R I D E S

Nothing could be more special thansipping on a cup o hot cocoa as youride through snow-lled trails on ahorse-drawn sleigh. Hop onboard,snuggle under a blanket and enjoy thescenery as horses clip-clop their way among snow-topped evergreen trees.Available in both the own o Ban and Lake Louise areas, sleigh ridesadd an authentic Western experienceto your holiday.

Brewster Adventurewww.brewsteradventures.com

horses@brewsteradventures.

Holiday on Hor sebacwww.horseback.com

[email protected]

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H OC K E Y G A M E

Ban is just an hour and a hal drive romCalgary, where you can join the crowds or aNational Hockey League (NHL) game at theamed Scotiabank Saddledome arena. Cheer on

the Calgary Flames and get ready or the ast-paced action o Canada’s avourite sport. Unsureo the rules? Rest easy; the tour includes expertcommentary rom your on-board guide.

Banff Adventures Unlimited www.banadventures.com/hockey_w.html

[email protected]

Pro Hockey ourswww.prohockeytours.com

[email protected]

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I C E S K A T I N G Te sparkling, glacier-ed waters o Ban National Park reeze over in winter, providing you with some o the most scenic skating rinks in the world. Enjoy the ice at Te Fairmont Ban Springs, where you canlace up your skates under a shelter and warm up next to a crackling re. You can also skate or play a gameo pond hockey on the world-amous lake at Te Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.



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S I G H T S E E I N G

You don’t have to be a skier or outdoor enthusiastto enjoy Ban National Park in winter. Cool,crisp air, bright blue skies and mountainsglimmering under a resh coat o snow makesightseeing in Ban a great wintertime activity.

Tere are a variety o scenic drives that provide you with superb photo opportunities and achance to see rozen lakes and wateralls amidsttowering peaks – all rom the comort and

warmth o a vehicle.

Te ransCanada Highway, running rom Ban to Lake Louise, is ull o scenic roadside stops.

You’ll wind your way past the rozen waters o the Bow River and striking peaks. Go a little biturther up the Iceelds Parkway, rated one o the world’s great scenic highways by NationalGeographic, which oers impressive views o expansive mountain wilderness and ancientglaciers.

You can also take a drive around the historic own o Ban, up the Mt. Norquay Road, outto the stunning shores o Lake Minnewanka orup unnel Mountain or views o the illustriousFairmont Ban Springs rom Surprise Corner.

For an unparalleled, birds-eye view o theCanadian Rockies, helicopter tours are availableor sightseeing and begin in the mountain areasneighbouring Ban National Park. ours lastrom 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how long you’d like to stay up in the air!

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Alpine [email protected]

www.alpinehelicopter.com/t


[email protected]

Kananaskis Heliwww.kheli.com

[email protected]



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A T T R A C T I O N S

Gondola

See more mountains in a moment than most see in a lietime! Ride to thetop o Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view o six mountainranges. Ban Gondola is located just ve minutes rom the own o Ban, on the shoulder o Sulphur Mountain. Te 360° view rom theupper gondola terminal, view-decks and Summit Ridge InterpretiveBoardwalk oer the very best vantage point in the area.

www.explorerockies.com/ban-gondola | [email protected]

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Open year-round, the Banf Upper Hot Springs are especially great or relaxingin winter. All the amenities o a modern acility are eatured in this splendid,historic spa and bathhouse against a backdrop o Banf’s spectacular alpinescenery. Banf ’s premier attraction eatures an outdoor source-ed pool, children’sarea, git shop, indoor and outdoor caeteria, spacious change rooms and day spa.

www.hotsprings.ca | [email protected]

Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola

Te Lake Louise Ski Area now has more to oer those who are looking ormore than skiing and snowboarding adventures. Enjoy a relaxing sightseeingride to the top o the world on the Grizzly Gondola. Experience thebreathtaking scenery and the incredible views o soaring, ice-encrusted peaksincluding Mount emple and Mount Victoria. Come and see Lake Louiserom a new perspective!

www.skilouise.com | [email protected]



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H E R I T A G E

Museums

Ban oers you many authentic opportunities

to immerse yoursel in the culture o the pastand present. Learn about First Nations at theBualo Nations Luxton Museum, Ban ’snatural history at the Ban Park Museum andthe earliest pioneers at the Whyte Museum o the Canadian Rockies.

Cave and Basin National Historic Sitewww.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/caveandbasin/index.aspx

[email protected]

Banff Park Museum National Historic Sitewww.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/ban/index.aspx

[email protected]

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum & Gift Shopwww.bualonationsmuseum.ca

[email protected]

Whyte Museum of theCanadian Rockies

[email protected]

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S N O W M O B I L I N G

Ban National Park is the gateway to many othermountain adventures, including snowmobiling.

Tis adventure awaits you outside o the park itsel but nearby, amidst beautiul, snow-cladpeaks. With hal-day and ull-day guided touroptions available, each guest is equipped witha helmet, warm clothes and their very ownsnowmobile to explore the vast mountain terrain.

Awesome All Season Adventureswww.banatvtours.com

[email protected]

oby Creek Adventureswww.tobycreekadventures.com

[email protected]

Wet ‘N ’ Wild Adventureswww.wetnwild.bc.ca

[email protected]

I C E F I S H I N G

Ice shing, oered December through April,is located on the beautiul Spray Lakes in

Kananaskis Country, just outside Ban National Park. Relax in heated huts on the ice while you sh or trout and white sh. Yourguides will even cook your catch on-site or ashoreline lunch! All shing gear, equipment and

warm winter clothes will be provided.

Banff Fishing Unlimited www.ban-fshing.com/ice.html

[email protected]



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Lodging

Ban National Park prides itsel not only in itsscenery but also in the variety and quality o

available accommodations, ranging rom luxury resorts to mountain lodges. Hoteliers considerit a privilege to oer you customized service,dining options onsite or in nearby venues, adviceon activities and access to spa and wellnessacilities.

Dining

Tis destination has attracted some o the very best in Canadian and internationally inspired oods, also known as Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine. Many restaurants help yousample the regional are, bringing in organicand sustainably sourced Alberta bee and bison,

ne cheeses and wines. I you’re in the mood orsushi, Tai, Mexican, Swiss ondue or kicking

your heels at a local dance club, you’ve got morethan enough choices to try. Various hotels andrestaurants oer menus that cater to the needs o international travellers, including Asian dishes.

Shopping

I you’re looking to shop, both Ban and LakeLouise have vendors to help you gear up or

your next adventure, buy a perect souvenir roma boutique shop or a piece o art rom a rst-class gallery. With the assortment o shoppingexperiences in these mountain towns, you’resure to nd something special to remind you o

your trip to the Canadian Rockies.

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L O D G I N G , D I N I N G & S H O PP I N G



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T R AV E L T I P S

Quick Facts

Currency: Canadian Dollars. Currency exchanges are available in the own o Ban.

Time Zone: Mountain Standard ime (UC - 7 hours).Measurements: Metric.

Electricity: 110 volts. Plugs are two fat parallel prongs or two fat and one round prong.

Sales Tax: 5 percent Goods and Services ax (GS). Tere is no provincial sales tax in Alberta.

Weather, Clothing & Sea sonal emperatures

Te weather in Te Canadian Rockies is unpredictable, but as long as you carry a variety o layers, you’llbe well prepared! Te sun at these alpine altitudes is strong, so bring some sunglasses and a hat or year-round protection rom UV exposure.

Te winter air in Ban tends to be cold and dry (with average highs o 2°C/36°F), but it is warmer thansimilar mountainous areas because o Chinook winds. While the peaks and ski hills in the area receive alarge amount o snow, the own o Ban receives a moderate amount. o stay cozy and dry, you’ll need

warm clothing, a heavy jacket, hat, mitts and waterproo ootwear.

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JASPER

LAKELOUISE

BANFF

CANMORE

To

Edmonton

To RadiumHot Springs

ToCalgary

ToKamloops

ToVancouver

To Red DeerDrumhellerand Badlands

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93

93

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1

1

LakeMinnewankaLoop

IcefieldsParkway

Bow ValleyParkway

VermilionLakes Tunnel

Mountain

Canada

O

the canadian rockies winter adventure guide

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